Chapter 4

Ever since that night, Prince Hector had frequently met her in the courtyard, offering tips on fighting skills and sometimes just to talk. Lucia sensed that he was not always in agreement with the council's decisions on defending the city and frustration was setting in.

"My father listens to his priests more than he listens to me and day by day, the number of soldiers dying is getting larger," he lamented, the disappointment evident in his eyes.

But not all their conversations were of gloom and doom; there were times when they did share a joke or two. Prince Hector would blink and shake his head at something she had said, not catching the punch line. It was endearing to see him smile -- like a silver lining on a cloud.

Hold on dear prince. The war will end soon, she longed to tell him. But till then, she would continue to kill every Greek soldier that threatened her beloved homeland.

Battle after battle she fought the Greeks who had refused to leave their shores. Many were slain by her sword as she dispatched them with cold indifference – she could no longer feel any compassion or pity. She hated them for ruining her life and causing the misery of her people. Soon the reputation of the fearless warrior "Lucanus" began to spread among the ranks. Even Prince Hector preferred to have 'him' by his side during battle – they had shared a trust that few understood.

Upon returning from yet another victory against the Greeks, Prince Hector and his army rode back to the palace. Thousands of onlookers lined both sides of the road and cheered. Women at their balconies threw flowers and waved. "Lucanus! Lucanus!"

Prince Hector turned to her and smiled. "Do you hear that? They are cheering for you."

Lucia blushed deeply and quickly rode on ahead. When they arrived at the steps of the palace, they dismounted. King Priam and Princess Andromache came forward to embrace the prince while Lucia stood a few feet away together with the other Apollonian Guards.

"You must be Lucanus."

Startled, Lucia turned and saw a young girl smiling at her. She had an aristocratic demeanor and was dressed in richly embroidered robes – a noblewoman of King Priam's court. "Yes, I am," she replied.

"I heard you're very brave and handsome," she said as she stepped closer.

Lucia instantly took a hasty step back. Glancing at Prince Hector, she could tell he was amused.

"And I'm glad to say the rumors were true. My name is Calista. Please don't be afraid…I made this for you," said the young girl. Despite the dirt and bloody armor, she put a garland of flowers around Lucia's neck. Giggling like an infatuated teenager, she blushed and ran back into the palace.

"I think she likes you, my friend," Prince Hector said with a smirk while his wife, Princess Andromache quietly observed her.

Lucia was stumped. "Oh…err…I…uhm…"

Seeing her discomfort, Hector laughed. "Go home. Drink and make love to your woman. You've earned it."

Lucia grimaced at the suggestion – when she had decided to become a warrior under disguise, she didn't count on young girls falling in love with Lucanus!

One day, while she was training with the other soldiers, she was summoned to Captain Tyr's tent. Once inside, she saw the general and his captains planning another offensive against the Greeks. The only person oddly missing was Prince Hector. Where was he?

"Lucanus!" Captain Tyr exclaimed. "Come. Let me introduce you to General Glaucus."

"My lord," she bowed, still wondering why she was summoned. So far, she was told to do what was required of her.

"Lucanus…Prince Hector speaks fondly of you and his assessment is seldom wrong," the old general said. "Achilles and the Myrmidons have refused to fight this war for the Greeks which put us in an advantage. However, many soldiers still fight for King Agamemnon, the scourge of Troy. If the king dies, the Greeks will leave."

Lucia stood in silence, absorbing the words that were spoken. "What would you have me do?" she asked finally.

"I want you to infiltrate the Greek base and kill King Agamemnon."

She stared dumbfounded at the old man with many years of experience in war. "I'm sure King Agamemnon's tent would be fortified and heavily protected. It would be difficult…"

"Ah, but not impossible," added the general. "I am recruiting ten of my finest men to undertake this mission. I was hoping you would accept."

It was a suicide mission -- there was no honor in assassinating the king in this manner but if it meant the Greeks leaving Troy then so be it.

"I accept," she replied after much hesitation. Before she took her leave, the general said, "I hope you will treat this with utmost secrecy. No one must know about it."

Lucia bowed and said, "I will."

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While strolling in the gardens, Hector saw his wife sitting together with the other noblewomen, cradling their son on her lap. Despite the threat of the Greeks, the women of Troy were busy putting up lights and weaving garlands of flowers to celebrate the festival of Apollo, their patron god. Andromache looked up at him and her eyes were full of love. His father had been right when he chose this woman to be his wife – in the face of adversity she was the epitome of grace and calm, keeping the hopes of the people alive by helping them in any way she could. While he was on the battlefield, she helped organize the distribution of food and rations, visited the sick and injured. For that, Hector was deeply grateful for her efforts.

Although his was a political marriage, he grew to love Andromache over the years. Theirs was not a passionate love but a quiet and gentle one.

Smiling back, he went in search of Lucanus. Hector didn't really understand why, but for some reason he looked forward to their late night meetings in the courtyard. His heart felt lighter whenever Lucanus was around. He had noticed it with the other soldiers as well, in that they all seemed to be more optimistic when he was with them. Hector smiled at the thought. He had never thought he and Lucanus would become close friends, not after the way he had panicked on the beach that first time.

It was a different boy standing next to him now. Lucanus had grown past the uneasiness of war and death. He had put aside his fears, willing to risk everything in times of danger for his fellowmen. The boy had earned his respect.

Hector had been tutoring Lucanus to master the sword and spear for the past few weeks and he was getting bored.

"Let's do something different this time. How about hand to hand combat?" he suggested to Lucanus

The boy shrugged, looking slightly uneasy.

"No. You know you'll take me down easily, so why bother?"

"…Because you need to learn, Lucanus. Come on."

Lucanus reluctantly assumed an attacking position, and Hector did likewise. At his signal, they began to circle one another. He was impressed by how light Lucanus' footsteps were, and how limber he was when moving. However, he saw that Lucanus was still watching his face, searching for signs in his eyes of how he was going to attack.

"Watch my body movements. They'll let you know how I'll come at you. That's it, keep your eyes focused."

Hector leaned to the side suddenly, moving to tackle him from the left. Surprised by the move, Lucanus tilted his body to avoid him and retaliated with a succession of complex hand combat moves. Hector managed to catch his hand before it landed on his face and twisted it back. Lucanus winced in pain and elbowed his side, breaking the contact. Regaining his balance he maintained his battle stance.

"I'm sure Tyr taught you that," he remarked, smiling at him. "All right…again."

This time, Hector feigned a right tackle then proceeded to lash out with his leg, tripping Lucanus and rendering him defeated on the ground. Lucanus glared at him, eyes firing up to the challenge. "That's not fair!"

"I don't fight fair…now get up." He held out his hand but Lucanus had other ideas.

Suddenly, he found himself on the ground. It was only a split second that he let his guard down and Lucanus dove for his feet, knocking the wind out of him. He tried to lock Hector down with his body but Hector managed to give him the slip and rolled on top of Lucanus, pinning him down on the ground. They lay like that for a few moments, their faces merely inches apart and Hector was drawn to the boy's eyes – there was something strange in them, something he couldn't quite fathom.

Lucanus seemed to shudder slightly.

Hector was about to say something but he decided against it – it must have been his imagination. He slipped back into the persona of the grim prince, his back stiffening as he stood.

"That was good," he said. "Keep up the good work."

The boy nodded as he brushed the sand off his tunic. "Yes, my prince," he replied.

Hector winced slightly at the formality and said, "Lucanus, I give you permission to call me Hector. All my friends call me by name."

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Lucia stared at the prince, still dazed from their earlier encounter. What had just happened?

She was all flustered when he leaned in close to her. It the first time she had seen the warmth radiating from his eyes. Lucia quickly shrugged off the feeling and tried to concentrate on the reason why she came this night.

The instructions were clear – their mission was to disguise themselves as Greek soldiers and sail into enemy territory in fishing boats and seek out King Agamemnon. They had been secretly training long and hard for this mission. This is for Troy, she told herself.

She wondered if Prince Hector was aware of their mission. If he knew about it his expression did not show it. Bound by her word, she did not say anything to the prince.

Lucia knew they had to leave on their mission tomorrow night. They were prepared and were ready to move on the general's order. But she felt she needed say goodbye to her prince and friend.

"You seem disturbed. What is it Lucanus?" he asked, looking concerned.

"I just want to say that it has been an honor to be your friend," she said rather vaguely.

"…And I am honored to have you as a comrade in arms. My wife says she will sleep better if she knew you're by my side," he replied with a grin.

But I will no longer be by your side, my dear prince…

Lucia didn't have the heart to tell him so she merely nodded and allowed the moment to pass.

On a moonless night, the group assembled at the armory and slipped out of the city through a secret passageway. The boats were already waiting for them as planned.

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes watched the whole scene silently and smiled viciously.

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That night, Hector had waited for Lucanus but he didn't show up. He was albeit disappointed when he saw the empty courtyard. It wasn't like Lucanus to disappear without telling him, he thought worriedly.

As he was walking back to the palace, he overheard hushed voices behind the deserted marketplace and noticed some movement in the shadows. He recognized the voices to be that of General Glaucus and Captain Tyr. Hector wondered what they were doing and listened quietly.

"They've gone?"

"Yes. They would've entered the Greek camp by now."

"By sunrise, we'll know if they've succeeded or failed."

The two men nodded and went their separate ways. Sensing something was not right, Hector followed Tyr until they were alone on a narrow street. "Tyr!" he called in a loud voice.

Tyr whirled around in surprise. "Your Highness!"

"What is going on?"

"I…I don't know what you mean," Tyr stammered.

On seeing Tyr's hesitation, Hector pulled out his dagger. "I overheard your conversation with General Glaucus at the back of the marketplace. Something has happened in my absence. Tell me now or I'll cut off your tongue!"

With his head bowed, Tyr revealed him about General Glaucus' plan to assassinate King Agamemnon.

"Why didn't anyone consult me about this?" he demanded angrily.

"We had strict instructions from General Glaucus not to discuss this mission," Tyr replied with a deadpan expression.

"And Lucanus?"

"He's with them."

Damn! He cursed inwardly. "Summon General Glaucus to my father's chambers. Now!"

In King Priam's chambers, Hector and General Glaucus stood staring at each other with unrestrained resentment. King Priam was quietly contemplating the recent events.

Turning to his son, he said, "Glaucus has fought many wars for me. You cannot deny that if this mission is successful, Troy would be saved."

"You've sent these men to their death. Where's the honor in assassinating the Greek king?" Hector asked, glaring at General Glaucus.

"It's not a matter of honor, son. It's a matter of saving the lives of many Trojan soldiers," his father said. "This war is taking a toll on our city and our resources. We cannot continue to wage war with the Greeks."

"The men knew the risks," the general defended but was silenced by Hector's piercing stare.

Hector began to pace his father's room restlessly. "We have to rescue them."

"…But son, you are needed here," said King Priam.

"Father, I won't let them die out there without honor," Hector replied resolutely.

His father looked at him and finally gave his blessing. Quickly, he met his captains outside and ordered, "Assemble the Apollonian Guard."

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From their boats, Lucia could see the Greek camps with their fires dotting the beach. Her heart was pounding furiously as she felt like a lamb led to a den full of wolves.

After tying their boats in a secure location, they climbed the slippery rock face that lined the south shore and made their way to the Greek camps. Their leader, Lysander scanned the surroundings and suddenly gave a signal – two Greek sentries were patrolling the area. They fell back behind a huge rock.

In a swift movement, he crept up behind the unsuspecting soldiers and slit one of their throats. Lucia grabbed the other fleeing sentry and slit his throat to prevent him from warning the others. Their bodies were hidden behind some rocks as they proceeded toward the camp in silence.

The group dispersed and mingled among the Greeks, drinking and eating with them. Lucia looked at the men in her company; faces she would see in battle and faces she would never see again. They were merely ordinary men answering the call to war; men who had wives and families. For the first time, she understood the despair that Prince Hector had felt -- he wasn't just talking about the Trojans but the Greeks too.

After drinking with the men, Lucia stood up and took a short stroll along the beach. She spotted the largest tent, built on a ship. The royal insignia indicated it was King Agamemnon's tent and she saw two muscular guards standing outside. On the far side of the beach near the temple of Apollo was another tent. This tent was rather isolated and even the Greeks dared not venture close to it.

Achilles, she thought. That must be Achilles' tent.

Revenge was calling out to her as she boldly walked towards it but was pulled back by Lysander. "What are you doing?" he asked in a hushed tone.

"The Myrmidon camp," she told him.

The captain took one look at the tent and said, "We don't want to have anything to do with the Myrmidons. Remember our mission Lucanus. We cannot fail."

"But…" Clenching her jaw, she forced herself to walk away.

Lucia and Lysander climbed up the ship and hid behind some wooden crates near Agamemnon's tent while the rest had taken positions nearby. Taking out his blade, Lysander cut a slit in the tent and peered inside. Then he turned to Lucia and nodded. Agamemnon was in his tent, probably drunk from too much wine.

They crept into the lavish tent, full of the spoils of war looted from Apollo's temple. Empty jugs of wine were scattered on the floor as they side stepped the broken pieces. On the bed was the king asleep under the covers. Lucia held her breath as Lysander raised his sword and plunged it into the king's sleeping form. Immediately the bed was soaked with blood. Lysander pulled away the covers and stared in horror – on the bed was a man tied and gagged and it was not King Agamemnon!

Turning to Lucia, he said, "It's a trap!"

"Guards!" a voice exclaimed.

They whirled around with their swords drawn and found themselves surrounded by Greek soldiers. Then the real King Agamemnon appeared, looking very pleased. "Welcome to my humble abode," he said with a snicker. "Don't worry about your fellow Trojans outside – they are all dead…I suppose you want to know who gave you away. Bring out the Trojan traitor."

Lysander growled and his jaws clenched when they brought out a bruised and beaten young man. Lucia paled as she recognized the man instantly – Pollux!

She seethed inside. "How could you betray your own country and your own people?"

Pollux threw his head back and laughed. "I will gladly exchange my allegiance to Troy if I can have your head, Lucanus. For this, the gracious King Agamemnon has promised me riches and wealth once Troy is conquered," he sneered. "You never know what tales drunken men tell."

"You will pay for this traitor!" Lysander roared and attacked at the guards as they tried to fight their way out. More soldiers poured into the tent preventing them from escape when all of a sudden, the battle horns sounded, warning an attack. "It's the Trojans…they are coming!"

Hope swelled in her heart. It must be Prince Hector -- he had not abandoned them.

The soldiers were at a loss about what to do. Agamemnon's face contorted with fury as he screamed, "Kill them… kill them all!"

Lysander threw her a look as he said, "Run Lucanus…"

Lucia hesitated but her leader had thrown himself fully into battle with the soldiers, allowing her to escape. But there were too many of them as three soldiers ran him through with their spears. Lysander collapsed as Agamemnon drew his sword and sliced off his head.

Survival instincts kicked in as she hacked through the soldiers ignoring the sting of their blades on her body. She managed to reach the edge of the tent and leapt down, tumbling into the soft sand. Bloodied and dazed, she turned back and saw the Apollonian Guards led by Prince Hector sweep into the Greek camp on their horses. The situation was chaotic and the confusion made it difficult for the Greeks to regroup. In the commotion, she saw Pollux running away and chased after him.

With a loud cry, Lucia lunged at his legs and brought him down. Pollux struggled to block her angry blows and managed to kick her away. Lucia tripped on a stone and fell to the ground. Pollux had grabbed a long piece of wood nearby and seeing her defenseless, a crooked smile appeared on his battered face as he realized he had the upper hand. She backpedaled and her hand touched the hilt of a sword in the sand and gripped it. Before he could pummel her with the wood, she sprang up and thrust the sword into him.

Pollux was shocked at the sudden twist of fate as he stared at Lucia. Without remorse, she shoved the sword further into his chest and said, "Look at me Pollux…the 'man' you hate so much is none other than your intended bride!"

"L…Lucia!" His eyes widened with recognition as he sank to the ground at her feet.

"You deserve death, traitor!" said Lucia as she kicked him down.

She withdrew the sword from his body and turned to look for a way to escape when she felt a crushing pain on her shoulder -- an arrow had struck her. Lucia dived behind some wood structures as she tried to stay away from the archer's range. Unfazed, she seized the arrow and yanked it out of her flesh ignoring blood that had splattered all over by the suddenness and violence of her action. She looked at the arrow before throwing it aside. She heard the sound of galloping horses and tried to stand but her head started spinning and her knees buckled. Then everything went blank.

TBC